The group had a great turnout, and many hard core fans
showed up early to grab the best seats.

Don Wilson remains a driving force behind The Ventures, and
produced some very nice guitar licks.

Nokie Edwards blew everyone away with his finesse and
ability.

Bob Spalding was super on the bass and played lead guitar
on a couple of numbers.

Leon Taylor was just outstanding on drums. A great
job on Caravan, and Wipeout!

Jack DeFranco, who helped organize the memorable
Surfin'
To Baja 2003 cruise, was handling Tour-Stage Manager duties, and did a great
job. Jack loves The Ventures, and goes beyond the call of duty when
involved with them.

Other notables that accompanied The Ventures, were Fiona
Taylor, wife of late Drummer Mel Taylor; Judy Edwards, wife of Nokie Edwards;
and Leon Taylor's wife.

I was fortunate to have a front row seat, and sat by a fan
and his two young sons that all play guitar. A highlight for the boys was
when they received a guitar pick, set list, and two drumsticks (one for each
boy). I think the dad was more thrilled than the boys!

Afterwards, the group spent well over an hour signing CD's,
T-shirts, guitars, surfboard signs, photos, and having fan photos made.
The fans of course loved this!

It was great to have The Ventures back!

Here are photos from the event.

(Click Photos To enlarge)

The Ventures Performing

Ventures Fans

The Ventures performed at The Birchmere, March 7, 1998
to a sold out crowd.